Bill > SB588

This bill aims to streamline the permitting process for residential and commercial solar energy and energy storage systems in Hawaii by establishing a self-certification process for behind-the-meter, customer-sited solar distributed energy resource systems. The legislation requires government entities that issue building permits to create an efficient, standardized self-certification process that allows immediate project initiation, provided certain conditions are met. These conditions include: the project is not in a special flood hazard area, the project owner submits necessary documentation (such as flood zone clearance and proof of professional licensing), and the installation complies with all applicable codes and laws. The bill allows design professionals to conduct permit reviews using software and offline field reports, with government entities required to issue and close building permits within 30 days of application. Additionally, the bill exempts these solar systems from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) No-Rise/No-Impact declaration requirements in most cases, further reducing administrative barriers. This legislation supports Hawaii's goal of achieving a 100% renewable portfolio standard by December 31, 2045, by making it easier and faster to deploy solar and energy storage technologies at the residential and commercial levels.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry, Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=588&year=2025